Pneumatic tire

ABSTRACT

First direction ridge patterns and second direction ridge patterns are lined-up alternately at a decorative concave portion 18. Plural main ridges 22A through 22D and sub-ridges 26A through 26D, which project-out from a bottom surface 18A, are formed at a first direction ridge pattern 20. The respective ridges are disposed in parallel such that ridge extending directions are a same direction. Light reflection patterns are different at a main ridge region 24, 34 and a sub-ridge region 28, 38.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire in which plural ridgesare formed at a tire side portion.

BACKGROUND ART

The provision of side decorative bands, in which plural straight orcurved ridges are arrayed in parallel, at the side portions of a tirehas been carried out widely. Making the thickness of the tire sides thinin order to aim for decreased weight of the tire has been carried out,but, if the thickness of the tire sides is made thin, there are cases inwhich convexity and concavity, which is caused by the end portions ofmembers such as the belts or the like, appears at the surfaces of thetire sides. The aforementioned side decorative belt is effective inmaking such convexity and concavity inconspicuous.

For example, a side decorative belt that is structured by decorativeelement A1, decorative element B1 and decorative element C1 is disclosedin Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2011-126335. Byforming this side decorative belt at the tire side portion, the effectof making convexity and concavity at the side portion of the tireinconspicuous is achieved.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Because the tire side portion can be seen also when the tire is mounted,further improvement in the external appearance is desired.

In view of the above-described circumstances, the subject of the presentinvention is the provision of a pneumatic tire in which convexity andconcavity of a tire side portion are made to be inconspicuous, and theexternal appearance of the tire side portion is improved.

Solution to Problem

A pneumatic tire relating to a first aspect comprises: a decorativeconcave portion that is formed at an outer surface of a tire sideportion; a first direction ridge pattern having a main ridge region,which has a plurality of main ridges that project-out from a bottomsurface of the decorative concave portion and that are disposed inparallel such that an extending direction thereof is a first direction,and a sub-ridge region, which has a plurality of sub-ridges that projectout from the bottom surface of the decorative concave portion and thatare disposed in parallel such that an extending direction thereof is thefirst direction, a light reflection pattern of the sub-ridge regionbeing different than that of the main ridge region; and a seconddirection ridge pattern having the main ridge region, at which theextending direction of the main ridges is a second direction that isdifferent than the first direction, and the sub-ridge region, at whichthe extending direction of the sub-ridges is the second direction thatis different than the first direction, wherein a plurality of the firstdirection ridge patterns and the second direction ridge patterns aredisposed so as to be lined up alternately at the decorative concaveportion.

At the pneumatic tire relating to the first aspect, the decorativeconcave portion is formed at the tire side portion, and a plurality ofthe first direction ridge patterns and the second direction ridgepatterns are disposed at the decorative concave portion. A main ridgeregion, which has plural main ridges whose respective extendingdirections are the first direction and that are disposed in parallel,and a sub-ridge region that has plural sub-ridges, are formed at thefirst direction ridge pattern. The light reflection patterns differ atthe main ridge region and the sub-ridge region.

On the other hand, the second direction ridge pattern includes a mainridge region, at which extending directions of the main ridges are asecond direction that is different than the first direction, and asub-ridge region, at which extending directions of the sub-ridges arethe second direction that is different than the first direction. Namely,the second direction ridge pattern is a pattern in which the firstdirection ridge pattern is rotated and disposed such that the extendingdirections of the main ridges and the sub-ridges become the seconddirection that is different than the first direction, and has mainridges and sub-ridges that are similar to those of the first directionridge pattern. Further, the first direction ridge patterns and thesecond direction ridge patterns are lined-up alternately.

In this way, the ridge patterns, which include the main ridge regionsand the sub-ridge regions whose light reflection patterns are different,are lined-up alternately with the extending directions of the ridgesthereof made to differ. Due thereto, incident light can be reflected inmultiple directions, and that portion can be made to lookthree-dimensional. Accordingly, at the tire side portion, the differencein shading that is due to the difference in the reflection of light(sunlight, ambient light, or the like) can be produced effectively.

Further, by providing the decorative concave portion in which the ridgepatterns, which can cause the difference in shading to be exhibited inthis way, are lined up, convexity and concavity of the outer surface ofthe tire side portion that has a relatively low spatial frequency can bemade to be inconspicuous.

A pneumatic tire relating to a second aspect has the feature that aprojecting height of the sub-ridges from the bottom surface is lowerthan a projecting height of the main ridges from the bottom surface.

By making the projecting heights of the sub-ridges and the main ridgesfrom the bottom surface differ in this way, the reflection patterns ofthe light that is incident on the sub-ridge region and the main ridgeregion respectively can be made to differ.

A pneumatic tire relating to a third aspect has the feature that aninterval between sub-ridges that are adjacent to one another is morenarrow than an interval between main ridges that are adjacent to oneanother.

By making the interval between adjacent sub-ridges and the intervalbetween adjacent main ridges differ in this way, the reflection patternsof the light that is incident on sub-ridge region and main ridge regionrespectively can be made to differ.

In a pneumatic tire relating to a fourth aspect, a plurality of firstdirection ridge patterns and second direction ridge patterns aredisposed at the decorative concave portion such that the main ridgeregions and the sub-ridge regions respectively extend in zigzag shapes.

In accordance with the pneumatic tire relating to the fourth aspect, thezigzag shape that is structured by main ridge regions and the zigzagshape that is structured by sub-ridge regions extend in a directionintersecting the tire peripheral direction. Therefore, propagation ofcracks that arise easily along the tire peripheral direction can besuppressed.

A pneumatic tire relating to a fifth aspect has the feature that mainridges and sub-ridges are zigzag-shaped.

In accordance with the pneumatic tire relating to the fifth aspect,because the respective main ridges and the sub-ridges are zigzag-shaped,the incident light can be reflected in more directions, and a differencein shading that is due to the difference in the reflection of light canbe produced effectively.

In a pneumatic tire relating to a sixth aspect, the main ridge regionsand the sub-ridge regions are disposed so as to be lined up alternatelyin a tire peripheral direction.

In accordance with the pneumatic tire relating to the sixth aspect,because main ridge regions and sub-ridge regions are lined upalternately in the tire peripheral direction, these portions can moreeffectively be made to look three-dimensional by utilizing thedifference in the light reflection patterns.

A pneumatic tire relating to a seventh aspect has the feature that aridge interval between main ridges that are adjacent to one another anda ridge interval between sub-ridges that are adjacent to one anotherbecome more narrow from a side of the main ridge region, which side isfar from the sub-ridge region, toward a side of the sub-ridge region,which side is far from the main ridge region.

In accordance with the pneumatic tire relating to the seventh aspect,the adjacent ridge interval becomes more narrow from the main ridgeside, which is disposed at one end at one ridge pattern, toward thesub-ridge side that is disposed at the other end. Accordingly, thedifference in shading that is due to a stepwise reflection of light canbe extended, and the three-dimensional feel within the main ridge regionand within the sub-ridge region respectively can be produced moreeffectively.

A pneumatic tire relating to an eighth aspect has the feature that themain ridges and the sub-ridges are zigzag-shaped.

In accordance with the pneumatic tire relating to the eighth aspect,because the respective high ridges and low ridges are zigzag-shaped, thedifference in shading that is due to the difference in the reflection oflight can be produced effectively due to the light being reflected inmultiple directions.

In a pneumatic tire relating to a ninth aspect, the main ridges areconnected within the main ridge region and to main ridges of adjacentmain ridge regions, and a continuous main ridgeline that is continuousfrom one end to another end of the decorative concave portion isstructured.

At the time of machining a mold for forming the main ridges, if the mainridges break-off per ridge pattern, the need arises to carry outvertical movement of the blade for machining, each time a main ridgebreaks-off. In the pneumatic tire relating to the ninth aspect, thecontinuous main ridgeline, in which the main ridges are connected andthat is continuous from one end to the other end of the decorativeconcave portion, is structured. Accordingly, vertical movement of theaforementioned blade is unnecessary, and grooves for the main ridges canbe machined easily.

A pneumatic tire relating to a tenth aspect has the feature that aprojecting height of the main ridges from the bottom surface graduallybecomes lower from a side of the main ridge region, which side is farfrom the sub-ridge region, toward a side of the sub-ridge region, whichside is far from the main ridge region.

In accordance with the pneumatic tire relating to the tenth aspect, theheight of the ridges gradually becomes lower from the main ridge side,which is disposed at one end at one ridge pattern, toward the sub-ridgeside that is disposed at the other end. Accordingly, the difference inshading that is due to a stepwise reflection of light can be extended,and the three-dimensional feel within the main ridge region and withinthe sub-ridge region respectively can be produced more effectively.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In accordance with the present invention, convexity and concavity of atire side portion can be made to be inconspicuous, and the externalappearance of the tire side portion can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pneumatic tire relating to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a portion of a side decorative portion of the pneumatic tirerelating to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partial, enlarged view of the side decorative portion of thepneumatic tire relating to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the sidedecorative portion of the tire of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of another modified example of theside decorative portion of the tire of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a pneumatic tire relating to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a portion of a side decorative portion of the pneumatic tirerelating to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partial, enlarged view of the side decorative portion of thepneumatic tire relating to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the sidedecorative portion of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of another modified example of theside decorative portion of the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafterwith reference to the drawings. A side view of a pneumatic tire 10relating to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. In the presentembodiment, the tire peripheral direction is indicated by U, and thetire radial direction is indicated by R.

Emblem portions 14 and side decorative bands 16 are formed at a tireside portion 12 of the pneumatic tire 10.

The emblem portions 14 are made to be band-shaped circular-arc shapes,and are formed at two places at positions that are symmetrical withrespect to a tire central axis CE (see FIG. 1). An emblem 14A isdisposed at the emblem portion 14. The emblem 14A is expressed bycharacters such as “ABCDEFGH” for example that are marked on a smoothsurface.

The side decorative bands 16 are made to be circular-arc shapes that runalong the tire peripheral direction U, and four thereof are formed so asto be adjacent to the respective both end portions of the emblemportions 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, a decorative concave portion 18 is formed at theside decorative band 16. The decorative concave portion 18 is a shapethat is recessed from the outer surface of the tire side portion 12, andstructures the outer shape of the side decorative band 16. Firstdirection ridge patterns 20 and second direction ridge patterns 30 aredisposed alternately at the bottom surface 18A of the decorative concaveportion 18. The first direction ridge patterns 20 and the seconddirection ridge patterns 30 are the same shapes and only the placementangles thereof differ.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first direction ridge pattern 20 issubstantially square, and is structured by a main ridge region 24 and asub-ridge region 28 that are substantially rectangular. Four main ridges22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are formed in parallel so as to be parallel to oneanother at the main ridge region 24. The main ridges 22A, 22B, 22C, 22Dare zigzag-shaped, and extend in a first direction X1 that is slightlyinclined with respect to the tire peripheral direction U. Of zigzagbending angles θ1 through θ4 of the main ridges 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, thatof the main ridge 22A is the most acute angle, and the angles widentoward the main ridge 22D side, and the main ridge 22D is the mostobtuse angle. Namely, θ1<θ2<θ3<θ4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main ridges 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D project-out atheight H1 from the bottom surface 18A. The height H1 is set within therange of 0.08 to 3.0 mm. The cross-sectional shapes of the main ridges22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are trapezoidal shapes that gradually become narrowerfrom the bottom surface 18A. The bottom surfaces of the main ridges 22A,22B, 22C, 22D are width W1. The width W1 is set within the range of 0.08to 3.0 mm. Groove portion 23A of groove width M1 is structured betweenthe main ridge 22A and the main ridge 22B, and groove portion 23B ofgroove width M2 is formed between the main ridge 22B and the main ridge22C, and groove portion 23C of groove width M3 is formed between themain ridge 22C and the main ridge 22D.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sub ridge region 28 is adjacent to the mainridge region 24. Four sub ridges 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D are formed inparallel so as to be parallel to one another at the sub ridge region 28.The sub ridges 26A, 26B, 26C, 262D are zigzag-shaped, and extend in thefirst direction X1 that is the same direction as the main ridges 22A,22B, 22C, 22D. Of zigzag bending angles θ5 through θ8 of the sub ridges26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, that of the sub ridge 26A is the most acute angle,and the angles widen toward the sub ridge 26D side, and the sub ridge26D is the most obtuse angle. Namely, θ5<θ6<θ7<θ8. The zigzag bendingangle θ5 of the sub ridge 26A is larger than the zigzag bending angle θ4of the main ridge 22D.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-ridges 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D project-out fromthe bottom surface 18A at height H2 that is lower than the height H1.The height H2 is set within the range of 0.05 to 2.0 mm. Thecross-sectional shapes of the sub-ridges 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D aretrapezoidal shapes that gradually become narrower from the bottomsurface 18A. The bottom surfaces of the sub-ridges 26A, 26B, 26C, 26Dare width W2 that is narrower than the width W1. The width W2 is setwithin the range of 0.05 to 2.0 mm. Groove portion 23D of groove widthM4 is formed between the main ridge 22D and the sub-ridge 26A. Grooveportion 27A of groove width M5 is formed between the sub-ridge 26A andthe sub-ridge 26B, and groove portion 27B of groove width M6 is formedbetween the sub-ridge 26B and the sub-ridge 26C, and groove portion 27Cof groove width M7 is formed between the sub-ridge 26C and the sub-ridge26D.

At the first direction ridge pattern 20, with respect to the groovewidths of the groove portions that are structured between the respectiveridges, the groove portion 23A is the widest, and the groove widthsbecome more narrow in order toward the sub-ridge 26D side, andM1>M2>M3>M4>M5>M6>M7.

The second direction ridge pattern 30 has a shape that is similar to thefirst direction ridge pattern 20, but is disposed as if the firstdirection ridge pattern 20 is rotated by 90°. Main ridge region 34 andsub-ridge region 38 of the second direction ridge pattern 30 correspondrespectively to the main ridge region 24 and the sub-ridge region 28 ofthe first direction ridge pattern 20. Main ridges 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D ofthe second direction ridge pattern 30 correspond to the main ridges 22A,22B, 22C, 22D of the first direction ridge pattern 20, and sub-ridges36A, 36B, 36C, 36D of the second direction ridge pattern 30 correspondto the sub-ridges 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D of the first direction ridgepattern 20.

Further, groove portions 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 37A, 37B, 37C of the seconddirection ridge pattern 30 correspond respectively to the grooveportions 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 27A, 27B, 27C of the first direction ridgepattern 20. The main ridges 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D and the sub-ridges 36A,36B, 36C, 36D extend in second direction Y1 that is inclined slightlywith respect to the tire radial direction R.

The first direction ridge pattern 20 and the second direction ridgepattern 30 are disposed so as to be lined-up alternately at the bottomsurface 18A of the decorative concave portion 18, and the entirety ofthe decorative concave portion 18 is decorated by the first directionridge pattern 20 and the second direction ridge pattern 30. The mainridge region 24 and the main ridge region 34 of the first directionridge pattern 20 and the second direction ridge pattern 30 that areadjacent to one another are adjacent such that the length directionsthereof form a 90° angle, and form a zigzag main ridgeline 21 that iszigzag-shaped. The zigzag main ridgeline 21 extends in a directionintersecting the tire peripheral direction U.

The sub-ridge region 28 and the sub-ridge region 38 of the firstdirection ridge pattern 20 and the second direction ridge pattern thatare adjacent to one another are adjacent so as to form a 90° angle, andform a zigzag sub-ridgeline 31 that is zigzag-shaped. The zigzagsub-ridgeline 31 extends in the same direction as the zigzag mainridgeline 21.

The zigzag main ridgeline 21 and the zigzag sub-ridgeline 31 aredisposed alternately in the tire peripheral direction.

As described above, the side decorative band 16 is structured due to thefirst direction ridge pattern 20, which includes the main ridge region24 and the sub-ridge region 28 at which the projecting heights of theridges differ, and the second direction ridge pattern 30, which includesthe main ridge region 34 and the sub-ridge region 38, being lined-upalternately with the extending directions of the ridges thereofdiffering from one another. At each pattern, the reflective pattern oflight differs at the main ridge region 24 and the sub-ridge region 28,and the reflective pattern of light differs at the main ridge region 34and the sub-ridge region 38. Due thereto, incident light can bereflected in multiple directions, and the side decorative band 16 can bemade to look three-dimensional, and, at the tire side portion, thedifference in shading that is due to the difference in the reflection oflight (sunlight, ambient light, or the like) can be producedeffectively. Moreover, because the intervals between the ridges differat the main ridge regions 24, 34 and the sub-ridge regions 28, 38, thethree-dimensional feel of the side decorative band 16 can be producedmore effectively due to the visual effect that is caused by thesparseness or density of the ridges.

Further, the side decorative band 16 has the zigzag main ridgeline 21,which is zigzag-shaped and is structured by the main ridge regions 24,34, and the zigzag sub-ridgeline 31, which is zigzag-shaped and isstructured by the sub-ridge regions 28, 38. Accordingly, incident lightcan be reflected effectively in more directions, and, at the tire sideportion, the difference in shading that is due to the difference inreflection of light can be produced effectively.

Further, at the side decorative band 16, the zigzag main ridgeline 21and the zigzag sub-ridgeline 31 extend in a direction intersecting thetire peripheral direction U. Accordingly, propagation of cracks thatarise easily along the tire peripheral direction U can be suppressed.Moreover, because the zigzag main ridgeline 21 and the zigzagsub-ridgeline 31 are disposed alternately in the tire peripheraldirection, these portions can more effectively be made to lookthree-dimensional by utilizing the difference in the heights.

Further, at the first direction ridge pattern 20 and the seconddirection ridge pattern 30, the groove width between adjacent ridgesgradually becomes more narrow from the side of the main ridge 22A, 32Atoward the sub-ridge 26D, 36D side. Due thereto, an effect that is as ifthe heights of the ridges are changing within the main ridge region 24,34 and within the sub-ridge region 28, 38 respectively, can be produced.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the groove widths between adjacentridges are all varied. However, as shown in FIG. 5A, the groove widthsof the groove portions 23A, 23B, 23C, 33A, 33B, 33C within the mainridge region 24, 34 may be made to be a same width M8, and the groovewidths of the groove portions 27A, 27B, 27C, 37A, 37B, 37C within thesub-ridge region 28, 38 may be made to be a same width M9. In this case,the groove widths of the groove portions within the main ridge region24, 34 are made to be wider than the groove width of the groove portionswithin the sub-ridge region 28, 38.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the groove portions 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D,27A, 27B, 27C and unillustrated groove portions 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 37A,37B, 37C may all be made to be the same groove width M8.

Further, in the present embodiment, at the first direction ridge pattern20 and the second direction ridge pattern 30, the projecting heights ofthe ridges are two steps, but the projecting heights may be made to begradually shorter from the side of the main ridge 22A, 32A toward thesub-ridge 26D, 36D side.

Further, the heights of the main ridges 22A through 22D and 32A through32D, and the heights of the sub-ridges 26A through 26D and 36A through36D may all be made to be the same height.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention is described next. In thepresent embodiment, portions that are similar to those of the firstembodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the emblem portions 14 and side decorative bands 46are formed at the tire side portion 12 of a pneumatic tire 40 of thepresent embodiment. Decorative concave portions 48 are formed at theside decorative bands 46 (see FIG. 7). The decorative concave portion 48is a shape that is recessed from the outer surface of the tire sideportion 12, and structure the outer shape of the side decorative band46.

As shown in FIG. 7, first direction ridge patterns 50 and seconddirection ridge patterns 60 are disposed alternately at a bottom surface48A of the decorative concave portion 48. The first direction ridgepattern 50 is substantially square, and, as shown in FIG. 8, isstructured by a main ridge region 54 and a sub-ridge region 58 that aresubstantially rectangular.

Two main ridges 52A, 52B are disposed in parallel so as to be parallelto one another at the main ridge region 54. The main ridges 52A, 52Bextend in a first direction X2 that is inclined with respect to the tireperipheral direction U, and extend from one end side to the other endside of the square of the first direction ridge pattern 50. As shown inFIG. 9, the main ridges 52A, 52B project-out at height H3 the bottomsurface 48A. The height H3 is set within the range of 0.08 to 3.0 mm.

One end side of the main ridge 52A and one end side of the main ridge52B are connected by an end portion ridge 52C. In the same way as themain ridges 52A, 52B, the end portion ridge 52C projects-out at heightH3 from the bottom surface 48A. The end portion ridge 52C extends fromone end side of the main ridge 52A to one end side of the main ridge52B, in the direction orthogonal to the first direction X2. Asubstantially U-shaped ridge, which extends from another end side to oneend side of the first direction ridge pattern 50 and is bent-back at theone end side and returns to the other end side, is formed by the mainridges 52A, 52B and the end portion ridge 52C.

A short connecting ridge 52D is formed at the other end side of the mainridge 52A. The short connecting ridge 52D is bent at a substantial rightangle from the other end of the main ridge 52A toward the side oppositethe main ridge 52B, and is formed to the corner portion of the firstdirection ridge pattern 50. A long connecting ridge 52E is formed at theother end side of the main ridge 52B. The long connecting ridge 52E isbent at a substantial right angle from the other end of the main ridge52B toward the side opposite the main ridge 52A, and is formed to thecorner portion of the first direction ridge pattern 50.

The cross-sectional shapes of the main ridges 52A, 52B, the end portionridge 52C, the short connecting ridge 52D and the long connecting ridge52E are trapezoidal shapes that gradually become narrower from thebottom surface 48A, and the bottom surfaces thereof are width W3. Thewidth W3 is set within the range of 0.08 to 3.0 mm.

At the sub-ridge region 58, four sub-ridges 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D areformed in parallel so as to be parallel to one another. The sub-ridges56A, 56B, 56C, 56D project-out from the bottom surface 48A at height H4that is lower than the height H3, and extend in the first direction X2.Further, the other ends thereof are connected to the long connectingridge 52E, and the one ends thereof extend to the other end side of thesquare of the first direction ridge pattern 50. The height H4 is setwithin the range of 0.05 to 2.0 mm.

One end side of the sub-ridge 56A and one end side of the sub-ridge 56Bare connected by an end portion ridge 56E, and one end side of thesub-ridge 56C and one end side of the sub-ridge 56D are connected by anend portion ridge 56F. The end portion ridges 56E, 56F are disposed inthe direction orthogonal to the first direction X2. SubstantiallyU-shaped ridges, which extend from the long connecting ridge 52E of thefirst direction ridge pattern 50 to the one end side and are bent-backat the one end side and return to the long connecting ridge 52E, areformed by the sub-ridges 56A, 56B and the end portion ridge 56E, and thesub-ridges 56C, 56D and the end portion ridge 56F, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sub-ridges 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D and the endportion ridges 56E, 56F are trapezoidal shapes that gradually becomenarrower from the bottom surface 48A. The bottom surfaces are width W4.The width W4 is set within the range of 0.05 to 2.0 mm.

A groove portion 53A of groove width M10 is structured between the mainridge 52A and the main ridge 52B, and a groove portion 53B of groovewidth M12 is formed between the main ridge 52B and the sub-ridge 56A. Agroove portion 53C of groove width M14 is formed between the sub-ridge56A and the sub-ridge 56B, and a groove portion 53D of groove width M16is formed between the sub-ridge 56B and the sub-ridge 56C, and a grooveportion 53E of groove width M18 is formed between the sub-ridge 56C andthe sub-ridge 56D. With respect to the groove widths of these grooveportions, the groove portion 53A is the widest, and the groove widthsbecome more narrow in order toward the sub-ridge 56D side, andM10>M12>M14>M16>M18.

The second direction ridge pattern 60 has a shape that is similar to thefirst direction ridge pattern 50, but is disposed as if the firstdirection ridge pattern 50 is rotated by 90°. Main ridge region 64 andsub-ridge region 68 of the second direction ridge pattern 60 correspondrespectively to the main ridge region 54 and the sub-ridge region 58 ofthe first direction ridge pattern 50. Main ridges 62A, 62B, an endportion ridge 62C, a short connecting ridge 62D and a long connectingridge 62E of the second direction ridge pattern 60 correspond to themain ridges 52A, 52B, the end portion ridge 52C, the short connectingridge 52D and the long connecting ridge 52E of the first direction ridgepattern 50. Further, sub-ridges 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D and end portionridges 66E, 66F of the second direction ridge pattern 60 correspond tothe sub-ridges 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D and the end portion ridges 56E, 56F ofthe first direction ridge pattern 50. The main ridges 62A, 62B and thesub-ridges 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D extend in a second direction Y2 that isslightly inclined with respect to the tire radial direction R. A grooveportion 63A, a groove portion 63B, a groove portion 63C, a grooveportion 63D, a groove portion 63E of the second direction ridge pattern60 correspond to the groove portion 53A, the groove portion 53B, thegroove portion 53C, the groove portion 53D, the groove portion 53E ofthe first direction ridge pattern 50.

The first direction ridge pattern 50 and the second direction ridgepattern 60 are disposed so as to be lined-up alternately at the bottomsurface 48A of the decorative recess portion 48, and the entiredecorative recess portion 48 is decorated by the first direction ridgepattern 50 and the second direction ridge pattern 60. The shortconnecting ridge 52D and the long connecting ridge 62E, and the longconnecting ridge 52E and the short connecting ridge 62D, of the firstdirection ridge pattern 50 and the second direction ridge pattern 60that are adjacent to one another are connected together. Due thereto,ridges of the heights H3, H4 are connected as one ridge from the one endto the other end of the decorative concave portion 48, and a continuousmain ridgeline 51 that is zigzag-shaped is formed. The continuous mainridgeline 51 extends in a direction intersecting the tire peripheraldirection.

Further, the sub-ridges 56A, 56B and the sub-ridges 66A, 66B of thefirst direction ridge pattern 50 and the second direction ridge pattern60 that are adjacent to one another form a 90° angle and are adjacent,and form a zigzag sub-ridgeline 61 that is zigzag-shaped. The zigzagsub-ridgeline 61 extends in the same direction as the continuous mainridgeline 51.

The continuous main ridgeline 51 and the zigzag sub-ridgeline 61 aredisposed alternately in the tire peripheral direction.

As described above, the side decorative band 46 is formed due to thefirst direction ridge pattern 50, which includes the main ridge region54 and the sub ridge region 58 at which the projecting heights of theridges differ, and the second direction ridge pattern 60, which includesthe main ridge region 64 and the sub ridge region 68, being lined-upalternately with the extending directions of the ridges thereofdiffering from one another. Due thereto, incident light can be reflectedin multiple directions, and the side decorative band 46 can be made tolook three-dimensional, and, at the tire side portion, the difference inshading that is due to the difference in the reflection of light(sunlight, ambient light, or the like) can be produced effectively.Moreover, because the intervals between the ridges differ at the mainridge region 54, 64 and at the sub ridge region 58, 68, thethree-dimensional feel of the side decorative band 46 can be producedmore effectively due to the visual effect that is caused by thesparseness or density of the ridges.

Further, the side decorative band 46 has the continuous main ridgeline51, which is zigzag-shaped and is structured by the main ridge regions54, 64, and the zigzag sub-ridgeline 61, which is zigzag-shaped and isstructured by the sub-ridge regions 58, 68. Accordingly, incident lightcan be reflected effectively in more directions, and, at the tire sideportion, the difference in shading that is due to the difference in thereflection of light can be produced effectively.

Further, the continuous main ridgeline 51 is continuous as one ridgelinefrom the one end to the other end of the decorative concave portion 48.At the time of machining a mold for forming the main ridges 52A, 52B,62A, 62B, if the main ridges 52A, 52B, 62A, 62B break-off per ridgepattern, the need arises to carry out vertical movement of the blade formachining, each time a ridge breaks-off. In the present embodiment, thecontinuous main ridgeline 51, in which the main ridges 52A, 52B, 62A,62B are connected and that is continuous from one end to the other endof the decorative concave portion, is formed. Accordingly, verticalmovement of the aforementioned blade is unnecessary, and grooves for themain ridges can be machined easily.

Further, at the side decorative band 46, the continuous main ridgeline51 and the zigzag sub-ridgeline 61 extend in a direction intersectingthe tire peripheral direction U. Accordingly, propagation of cracks thatarise easily along the tire peripheral direction U can be suppressed.Moreover, because the continuous main ridgeline 51 and the zigzagsub-ridgeline 61 are disposed alternately in the tire peripheraldirection, these portions can more effectively be made to lookthree-dimensional by utilizing the difference in the heights.

Further, at the first direction ridge pattern 50 and the seconddirection ridge pattern 60, the groove width between adjacent ridgesbecomes gradually more narrow from the side of the main ridge 52A, 62Atoward the sub-ridge 56D, 66D side. Due thereto, an effect that is as ifthe heights of the ridges are changing within the main ridge region 54,64 and within the sub-ridge region 58, 68 respectively, can be produced.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the groove widths of the grooveportions 53A through 53E, which are formed between the main ridge 52Athrough the sub-ridge 56D and the main ridge 62A through the sub-ridge66D, are varied. However, as shown in FIG. 10A, groove widths M10through M18 may be such that the groove widths of the groove portions53A, 53B within the main ridge region 54, 64 are a same width M19, andthe groove widths of the groove portions 53D, 53E within the sub-ridgeregion 58, 68 are a same width M20. In this case, the groove width M19of the groove portions 53A, 53B within the main ridge region 54, 64 ismade to be wider than the groove width M20 of the groove portions 53Cthrough 53E within the sub-ridge region 58, 68.

Further, in the present embodiment, at the first direction ridge pattern50 and the second direction ridge pattern 60, the projecting heights ofthe ridges are two steps, but the projecting heights may be made to begradually shorter from the side of the main ridge 22A, 62A toward thesub ridge 56D, 66C side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the groove widths M10 through M18 may allbe made to be a same width M22.

Further, the heights of the main ridges 52A through 52B and 62A through62B, and the heights of the sub-ridges 56A through 56D and 66A through66D, may all be made to be the same height.

The disclosures of Japanese Applications: Patent Application No.2014-218551 and Patent Application No. 2014-218552 are, in theirentireties, incorporated by reference into the present specification.

All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentionedin the present specification are incorporated by reference into thepresent specification to the same extent as if such individualpublication, patent application, or technical standard was specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pneumatic tire comprising: a decorativeconcave portion that is formed at an outer surface of a tire sideportion; a first direction ridge patter having a first main ridgeregion, which leas a plurality of first main ridges that project outfrom a bottom surface of the decorative concave portion and that aredisposed in parallel such that an extending direction thereof is a firstdirection, and a first sub-ridge region, which has a plurality of firstsub-ridges that project out from the bottom surface of the decorativeconcave portion and that are disposed in parallel such that an extendingdirection thereof is the first direction, a light reflection pattern ofthe first sub-ridge region being different than that of the first mainridge region; and a second direction ridge pattern having a second mainridge region, which has a plurality of second main ridges that projectout from a bottom surface of the decorative concave portion and that aredisposed in parallel such that an extending direction thereof is asecond direction, and a second sub-ridge region, which has a pluralityof second sub-ridges that project out from the bottom surface of thedecorative concave portion and that are disposed in parallel such thatan extending direction thereof is the second direction, a lightreflection pattern of the second sub-ridge region being different thanthat of the second main ridge region; wherein the first direction andsecond direction are different from one another; wherein a plurality ofthe first direction ridge patterns and the second direction ridgepatterns are disposed so as to be lined up alternately at the decorativeconcave portion, and wherein a projecting height of the first sub-ridgesfrom the bottom surface are lower than a projecting height of the firstmain ridges from the bottom surface, and a projecting height of thesecond sub-ridges from the bottom surface are lower than a projectingheight of the second main ridges from the bottom surface.
 2. Thepneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein a plurality of first direction ridgepatterns and second direction ridge patterns are disposed at thedecorative concave portion such that (A) a zigzag shaped main ridgelineis formed with alternating first main ridge regions and second mainridge regions, and (B) a zigzag shaped sub-ridgeline is formed withalternating first sub-ridge regions and second sub-ridge regions.
 3. Thepneumatic tire of claim 2, wherein the zigzag shapes extend in adirection intersecting a tire peripheral direction.
 4. The pneumatictire of claim 1, wherein the first main ridge region and the firstsub-ridge region are disposed so as to be lined up alternately in a tireperipheral direction, and the second main ridge region and the secondsub-ridge region are disposed so as to be lined up alternately in a tireperipheral direction.
 5. The pneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein a ridgeinterval between first main ridges that are adjacent to one another anda ridge interval between first sub-ridges that are adjacent to oneanother become more narrow from a side of the first main ridge region,which side is far from the first sub-ridge region, toward a side of thefirst sub-ridge region, which side is far from the first main ridgeregion, and wherein a ridge interval between second main ridges that areadjacent to one another and a ridge interval between second sub-ridgesthat are adjacent to one another become more narrow from a side of thesecond main ridge region, which side is far from the second sub-ridgeregion, toward a side of the second sub-ridge region, which side is farfrom the second main ridge region.
 6. The pneumatic tire of claim 1,wherein the first main ridges and the first sub-ridges arezigzag-shaped, and the second main ridges and the second sub-ridges arezigzag-shaped.
 7. The pneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein the first mainridges are connected within the first main ridge region and to secondmain ridges of adjacent second main ridge regions, and a continuous mainridgeline that is continuous from one end to another end of thedecorative concave portion is structured.
 8. The pneumatic tire of claim1, wherein a projecting height of the first main ridges from the bottomsurface gradually becomes lower from a side of the first main ridgeregion, which side is far from the first sub-ridge region, toward a sideof the first sub-ridge region, which side is far from the first mainridge region, and wherein a projecting height of the second main ridgesfrom the bottom surface gradually becomes lower from a side of thesecond main ridge region, which side is far from the second sub-ridgeregion, toward a side of the second sub-ridge region, which side is farfrom the second main ridge region.
 9. A pneumatic tire comprising: adecorative concave portion that is formed at an outer surface of a tireside portion; a first direction ridge pattern having a first main ridgeregion, which has a plurality of first main ridges that project out froma bottom surface of the decorative concave portion and that are disposedin parallel such that an extending direction thereof is a firstdirection, and a first sub-ridge region, which has a plurality of firstsub-ridges that project out from the bottom surface of the decorativeconcave portion and that are disposed in parallel such that an extendingdirection thereof is the first direction, a light reflection pattern ofthe first sub-ridge region being different than that of the first mainridge region; and a second direction ridge pattern having a second mainridge region, which has a plurality of second main ridges that projectout from a bottom surface of the decorative concave portion and that aredisposed in parallel such that an extending direction thereof is asecond direction, and a second sub-ridge region, which has a pluralityof second sub-ridges that project out from the bottom surface of thedecorative concave portion and that are disposed in parallel such thatan extending direction thereof is the second direction, a lightreflection pattern of the second sub-ridge region being different thanthat of the second main ridge region; wherein the first direction andsecond direction are different from one another; wherein a plurality ofthe first direction ridge patterns and the second direction ridgepatterns are disposed so as to be lined up alternately at the decorativeconcave portion, and wherein an interval between first sub-ridges thatare adjacent to one another is more narrow than an interval betweenfirst main ridges that are adjacent to one another, and an intervalbetween second sub-ridges that are adjacent to one another is morenarrow than an interval between second main ridges that are adjacent toone another.